Elsie Kawulych is the recipient of the 2019 Education Award

Elsie Kawulych is the recipient of the 2019 Education Award

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Elsie Kawulych has a huge and selfless heart. Because of that, the Vegreville resident was recently recognized for her generosity, hard work and commitment to Ukrainian culture and education in this province.

She was chosen to receive the 2019 Education Award. The honour was bestowed upon her by the AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals Edmonton and Area Chapter). She accepted the award on Nov. 21 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. The ceremony also coincided with the National Philanthropy Day ‘Change the World with a Giving Heart’ that was only fitting for this deserving individual.

Elsie was nominated by the University of Alberta Faculty of Arts. Members of the faculty stated that: “Elsie has been a leader in Alberta’s Ukrainian communities for many years. Elsie has a real passion for the Ukrainian culture and she is always promoting and preserving her heritage. As well, she is committed to the educational and recreational activities for youth and building the community of Vegreville.”

Vegreville’s own Elsie Kawulych holds her AFP 2019 Education Award.

(Rosanne Fortier/photo)

This 2019 Education Award was given to Elsie because of her establishment of an endowment for undergraduate and graduates from the Kule Folklore Centre at the University of Alberta. The endowment has allowed students to do ground breaking research, and increase their knowledge and skills in Ukrainian and Canadian folklore studies. As well, members felt Elsie’s volunteer efforts and support of education at the University greatly assisted its society.

Elsie said she was surprised and happy to be the recipient of the 2019 Education Award. “I was pleased to receive this award because it showed what I did helped the betterment of the community. I feel I am the recipient of this award because of the memorial donations I gave to families when they lost a loved one where the funds went to the University for Scholarships for Ukrainian studies. There are no requirements to get this scholarship but it has to be used to study Ukrainian. This will help preserved the Ukrainian culture which is very important.”

Elsie received the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2005 and received the Order of Canada in 2012. Elsie completed her university degree and worked as a district home economist in the St. Paul area for many years. She also taught Ukrainian dancing for 18 years.

Elsie’s parents immigrated to Canada in 1924 and 1925. Her parents met in Vegreville where Elsie was born and has lived most of her life. She credits her parents who taught her to work hard and appreciate everything she had.